Tehran: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has blamed the United States for insecurity and tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that diplomacy and political engagement are essential to achieving peace in the region.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Tehran, Araghchi said consultations between Iran and Russia on regional issues were continuing.
He said the two sides discussed several key issues, including the Gulf region, West Asia, Ukraine, and negotiations between Iran and the United States.
Araghchi said military means could not provide a solution to conflicts, emphasising the need to pursue diplomatic and political channels. He also called for improvements in the situations in Yemen and Lebanon and an end to what he described as genocide in Palestine.
The Iranian foreign minister further stressed the need to curb what he called Israel’s dangerous expansionism. He said insecurity in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz was a consequence of what he described as US and Israeli aggression.
Speaking at the same press conference, Lavrov described his talks with Araghchi as detailed and positive. He said Russia remained committed to implementing its strategic cooperation document with Iran.
Lavrov added that Moscow was ready to provide diplomatic assistance between Iran and the United States and help find an acceptable solution to the ongoing crisis.
The Russian foreign minister also said Russia was committed to continuing work at the Bushehr nuclear power plant. He stressed that all countries should be treated equally in international forums.
Lavrov condemned what he described as US and Israeli aggression against Iran and reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to continued cooperation with Tehran.